Things to Do in Nepal are endless, especially during the summer months when the country comes alive with vibrant landscapes and outdoor adventures. From trekking through lush green valleys to experiencing wildlife safaris in national parks, Nepal offers unforgettable activities for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-filled hikes, cultural discoveries, or peaceful nature escapes, this is your ultimate guide to the best things to do in Nepal this summer.
Trekking Adventures
1. Trek in Rain Shadow Regions
Summer is the monsoon season in Nepal, but areas like Upper Mustang, Upper Dolpo, and Nar Phu Valley lie in the Himalayan rain shadow and remain dry and accessible. These routes feature dramatic landscapes, ancient villages, and rich cultural experiences.
2. Short Treks Around Kathmandu
The Gosaikunda Trek is a popular short trek starting from Dhunche through Langtang National Park. It offers stunning views of the Himalayas and leads to the sacred Gosaikunda Lake. Suitable for trekkers with moderate fitness levels.
3. Ghorepani Poonhill Trek
A favorite for beginners, the Poon Hill Trek is manageable in summer except during heavy rains. It features stunning sunrises over the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre ranges and lush forests with blooming rhododendrons.
4. Jomsom to Muktinath Trek
This moderate trek lies in the rain shadow of the Annapurna region, making it suitable for summer. It takes you through the Kali Gandaki Valley to the sacred temple of Muktinath, a pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. You’ll pass through wind-swept valleys, Tibetan-influenced villages, and apple orchards.
5. Manang Valley Trek
Accessible during summer via the Annapurna Circuit, Manang lies in a semi-arid region. The trail offers alpine landscapes, high-altitude lakes (like Gangapurna Lake), and acclimatization hikes to viewpoints like Ice Lake. The village of Manang is rich in Buddhist culture.
6. Everest Base Camp Tour
One of the world’s most iconic trekking experiences, the Everest Base Camp Tour offers breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. This legendary route takes you through Sherpa villages, ancient monasteries, and dramatic alpine landscapes. Ideal for adventure seekers and culture lovers alike, it combines natural beauty with deep cultural insight into life in the Khumbu region. Comfortable teahouses along the way provide warm hospitality and essential amenities.
7. Khopra Danda Trek (Khopra Ridge)
This off-the-beaten-path trek is a hidden gem in the Annapurna region. In summer, it offers dramatic ridge-line views, remote villages, and access to the beautiful Khayer Lake. Less trafficked than Poonhill, it’s a serene and enriching experience.
8. Mardi Himal Trek
A short but scenic trek near Pokhara that’s doable in summer if the weather permits. It offers jaw-dropping close-up views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. With fewer trekkers and cozy tea houses, it’s a peaceful alternative to busier trails—discover the Mardi Himal Trek.
9. Lower Dolpo Trek
If you’re up for a more remote and culturally rich experience, consider exploring the Lower Dolpo Trek, which offers ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture, the mesmerizing Phoksundo Lake, and high mountain passes. While more rugged, it remains dry during summer due to its location behind the Dhaulagiri range.
Wildlife Safaris and Nature Experiences
1. Chitwan National Park
One of Asia’s premier wildlife destinations. Summer offers excellent jungle safaris, bird watching, and canoe rides: spot endangered one-horned rhinoceros, Royal Bengal tiger, elephants, and diverse bird species.
2. Bardia National Park
Less crowded than Chitwan, Bardia offers chances to see tigers, wild elephants, and crocodiles in natural habitats. Jungle treks and safaris are the highlights.
3. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
Located in eastern Nepal, Koshi Tappu is a birdwatcher’s paradise, especially during summer when the wetlands thrive. Over 500 bird species can be spotted, including migratory waterfowl and endangered swamp francolins. The reserve also shelters wild water buffalo (Arna), otters, and freshwater dolphins in the nearby Koshi River.
4. Shuklaphanta National Park
In the far-western Terai, this lesser-known park features open grasslands, wetlands, and sal forests. It’s home to swamp deer (barasingha), leopards, elephants, and hundreds of bird species. Its remoteness ensures a peaceful safari experience, far from tourist crowds.
5. Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park (near Kathmandu)
Ideal for nature walks, bird watching, and light jungle treks during summer. While not a classic safari destination, this park offers lush forests, small mammals, butterflies, and over 300 species of birds just a short drive from the city.
6. Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve
The only hunting reserve in Nepal (regulated and limited), Dhorpatan is more than that—it’s a high-altitude wildlife haven located on the border of the Rukum and Baglung districts. It’s home to blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, and snow leopards. Although not a traditional safari site, it offers wild and remote nature exploration in summer.
7. Annapurna Conservation Area (Lower Elevations)
In summer, the lower elevations around Ghandruk, Ghale Gaun, and Sikles are lush and perfect for spotting langurs, barking deer, and exotic birds like the Himalayan monal (Danphe, Nepal’s national bird). It’s ideal for combining light trekking with wildlife watching.
Adventure and Outdoor Activities
- White Water Rafting
Summer rivers swell from glacial melts and monsoon rains, making rafting thrilling. Bhote Koshi, Seti, and Trisuli rivers are popular spots. - Paragliding in Pokhara
Pokhara’s stable summer weather makes it perfect for paragliding, offering breathtaking views of Phewa Lake and the Annapurna range. - Mountain Biking
Explore scenic trails and rural villages in Kathmandu Valley or the Annapurna region on mountain bikes. - 4. Canyoning in Jalbire or Sundarijal
Navigate waterfalls, natural pools, and rock slides in lush jungle settings. Canyoning is especially exciting during summer when the water flow is strong. Jalbire (Chitwan region) and Sundarijal (near Kathmandu) are popular spots for this adrenaline-packed sport. - 5. Zip-lining in Pokhara and Dhulikhel
Fly at high speed over forest canopies and deep valleys. Pokhara boasts one of the world’s longest and steepest zip lines, while Dhulikhel offers a thrilling ride with Himalayan views. - Ultralight Flights in Pokhara
Soar above Phewa Lake and the Annapurna range in a small open aircraft. This is a peaceful yet thrilling way to experience Nepal’s landscape from above, best enjoyed in the clear summer mornings. - Rock Climbing in Nagarjun or Hattiban
These natural cliffs near Kathmandu are perfect for both beginners and experienced climbers. Summer mornings are ideal before afternoon rains roll in. Rental gear and guided climbs are available. - Bungee Jumping in Bhotekoshi or Kushma
Leap from suspension bridges over deep gorges. Bhotekoshi near the Nepal-Tibet border and the newer Kushma bungee site offers some of the world’s most extreme bungee jumps. - Kayaking Clinics on the Trisuli or Seti Rivers
Summer is a great time for beginners to learn kayaking with calm stretches between rapids. Professional guides offer multi-day training trips with safety-focused instruction. - Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) on Phewa or Begnas Lake
For a more relaxed adventure, try SUP in Pokhara’s calm lakes. It’s a great way to enjoy the landscape and practice balance, especially in the early mornings.
Cultural and Urban Experiences
- Sightseeing in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur
Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and the ancient city of Bhaktapur. Enjoy rich history, architecture, and vibrant culture. - Explore Pokhara
Famous for lakes, caves, and adventure sports. Enjoy a boat ride on Phewa Lake, visit the International Mountain Museum, or try zip-lining. - 3. Patan (Lalitpur) – The City of Fine Arts
Explore Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning Newar architecture, intricately carved temples, and artisan workshops. Visit the Patan Museum, which houses ancient religious artifacts and bronze works. - 4. Lumbini – Birthplace of Lord Buddha
A sacred site for Buddhists, Lumbini is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the Maya Devi Temple, Ashoka Pillar, and over 30 international monastic zones built by countries like Thailand, Japan, and Germany. Peaceful and spiritual, it’s best visited in early summer before the heat peaks. - 5. Bandipur – A Living Newar Town
This beautifully preserved hilltop town between Kathmandu and Pokhara offers cobbled streets, centuries-old architecture, and panoramic views of the Himalayas. Great for experiencing traditional Newar hospitality and culture in a calm setting. - 6. Tansen – Historic Hill Town in Palpa
A lesser-known gem with rich history and cultural diversity. Visit the Ranighat Palace by the Kali Gandaki River and wander the charming bazaar. Tansen is also known for Dhaka fabric weaving. - 7. Kirtipur – Offbeat Heritage Destination Near Kathmandu
A quiet, ancient Newar town just outside Kathmandu with temples, traditional houses, and panoramic views of the valley. Ideal for a short half-day cultural tour. - 8. Gorkha – Land of the Gurkhas
Visit the historic Gorkha Durbar, the ancient palace-fort of King Prithvi Narayan Shah, the unifier of Nepal. Offers insight into Nepal’s unification history and sweeping mountain views. - 9. Bhaktapur Pottery Square & Local Craft Villages
Beyond temples, experience traditional craftsmanship. Try your hand at pottery in Bhaktapur’s Pottery Square or visit Thimi, a nearby town famous for handmade ceramics and masks. - 10. Garden of Dreams – Tranquil Escape in Kathmandu
Located in the heart of the city near Thamel, this beautifully restored neo-classical garden is perfect for relaxation, reading, or enjoying a quiet coffee amid lush greenery.
Volunteer and Community Experiences
Summer is an ideal time to join volunteer programs in Nepal, offering unique ways to give back while exploring the country. Popular options include teaching English in rural schools, supporting women’s empowerment projects, assisting in community development initiatives, or contributing to environmental conservation efforts like tree planting and eco-tourism programs. These experiences provide a meaningful opportunity to connect with local people, learn about Nepalese culture, and make a positive impact. Volunteering can also take you to beautiful, off-the-beaten-path villages where you’ll experience authentic hospitality and daily life.
Top Summer Activities in Nepal
- Trekking: Upper Mustang, Poonhill — Dry trails, stunning views, cultural encounters
- Wildlife Safari: Chitwan, Bardia — Tigers, rhinos, elephants, bird watching
- Rafting: Bhote Koshi, Seti, Trisuli — Thrilling rapids and high water levels
- Paragliding: Pokhara — Lake and mountain views, adventure
- Mountain Biking: Kathmandu, Annapurna — Scenic trails and villages
- Sightseeing: Kathmandu, Bhaktapur — UNESCO sites, temples, culture
- Volunteering: Rural Nepal — Community work, teaching, local interaction
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is summer a good time to visit Nepal?
Yes, though monsoon rains can be heavy in most areas. Rain shadow regions like Upper Mustang and Dolpo are ideal for trekking. Chitwan and Bardia are excellent for wildlife safaris.
2. What are the best trekking routes in summer?
Upper Mustang, Upper Dolpo, Nar Phu Valley, and short treks like Chisapani Nagarkot and Ghorepani Poonhill.
3. Can I do wildlife safaris in summer?
Yes, national parks like Chitwan and Bardia remain open and lush, offering great wildlife sightings.
4. What adventure activities are available in summer?
White water rafting, paragliding, mountain biking, and zip-lining.
5. Are there cultural experiences during summer?
Definitely, explore Kathmandu’s UNESCO sites, visit Pokhara, or volunteer in local communities
6. What should I pack for a summer trip to Nepal?
Bring rain gear, quick-drying clothes, sturdy shoes, insect repellent, and sun protection. For trekking in rain shadow areas, pack warm layers for cool nights.
Leave a Reply